Description

Nymphaea caerulea is a lovely water lily of the Nymphaea genus, most commonly known as the ‘Blue Lily’ or ‘Blue Lotus’ (although it is also known by many variations, including ‘Blue Egyptian Lotus’, ‘Blue Egyptian Water Lily’, ‘Blue Water Lily’ and ‘Sacred Blue Lily’). Caeruleas’s vibrant bluish-white to sky-blue or purple flowers average ten to fifteen centimetres across and have been used variously in folk medicine, aromatherapy, and perfume-making and as incense.

Although historically considered to be native to Egypt and other parts of East Africa, the plant has also long occurred in other countries, including the Indian subcontinent and Thailand. However, it’s most frequently associated with the Ancient Egyptians, who ascribed great significance to the plant as a Sun symbol (falsely believing its flowers to close at night and open in the morning). Moreover, caerulea was associated with the passage to the afterlife, the origin of the world and the deities Atum, Nefertem and Ra, the plant and its related rituals accordingly being frequently depicted in Egyptian art and architecture. Elsewhere, in Greek mythology, the Blue Lily is considered as a strong candidate for the lotus eaten by the ‘Lotophagi’ (“Lotus-eaters”) of Homer’s ‘Odyssey’.

All botanicals, plants and seeds offered by Arkham’s Botanical were obtained from ethical sources.

Excellent quality product. Hand written label was a nice touch! No complaints here.

Arkham’s –5 March, 2019

Hey Christian, thanks for your feedback! The hand-written label was due to the printer being packed away while we relocated, but maybe we should save on ink (and the environment) entirely in future… All the best!

Rated 4 out of 5

Anonymous –17 February, 2019

Not tried yet, but looks to be good quality

Rated 5 out of 5

Ben C. –17 January, 2019

Beautiful looking product, as described.

Arkham’s –22 January, 2019

Thanks Ben, it’s truly a gorgeous species!

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